The Obverse Side of Democracy

Because we have elections, we think we have democracy. All we have is a democratic constitution. That means that we have democracy in theory. But theory is easily set aside because of the centralisation of power. And the old saying, “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” becomes reality.

Centralisation of power divides society into the rulers and the ruled. Governments turn into oligarchies and forget about accountability and, instead of transparency and consultation, we have coercion though police and army.

And corrupt governments bankrupt their societies. Poverty is a clear indication of corrupt governance. At present, people are protesting against governments that are trying to curb freedom of speech and expression, freedom of movement – constitutional freedoms; and administrations that go on and on imposing tariffs on citizens and, at the same time, are allowing unemployment to spin out of control.

Our votes simply create opportunities for exploitation of the powerless by the powerful. We need reform. It is clear that we cannot trust people with such enormous power. They are not able to withstand the abuse to which such power leads.

And it is no use simply changing the rulers. No matter who they are and what they promise, once people are given such great power, they cannot resist its temptations.

Changing the persons in power has no effect. What we need is systemic change. Our present systems create oligarchs, in all institutions: government, business, education, sport, etc.